Ignition mechanism



Filed Jan. 5, 1938 4 m; m a 7 2 INVENTOR.

Patented May 23, 193% traniem'rron amonnmsn Ralph M. Heintz, East Eclipse Aviation Corpo a corporation of New Application January 5,

19 Claims.

This invention relates to ignition mechanism and more particularly to a connection between an ignition cable and a stationary element of the ignition system, as for example, one of the spark Plugs or one of the outlets from the current distribution section of the ignition system such as the magneto distributor or conductor manifold.

An object of the invention is to provide a more readily attachable and a more readily removable type of connection between the ignition cable and the stationary part above referred to.

Another object is to provide a readily detachable yet a suiliciently firmly held coupling assembly for insuring continuity of the ignition circuit at the point of termination of the ignition cable.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from inspection 01' the following specification when read with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein is illustrated the preferred embodiment of the invention. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for the purpose oiillustration only, and is not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims for this purpose.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a view partly in elevation and partly in longitudinal section, of a device embodying the invention as applied to the function of connecting an ignition cable with one of the spark plugs;

Fig. 2 is a view of some of the parts shown in Fig. 1 as said parts appear during the operation preparatory to disconnecting the cable from the stationary element, such as a spark plug, whenever such a disconnection is desired as for purposes of inspection of the terminal end of the cable, or for any other reason; and

Fig. 3 is an exploded view in perspective of two of the elements shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Referring to the drawing, reference character 5 designates the outer shell or barrel of a metal enclosed spark plug of a type now commonly used to insure elimination of interference between the ignition circuit and adjacent radio receiving apparatus, and reference character 6 indicates the threaded base of the plug by which attachment is made to the engine cylinder not shown. The barrel 5 is shown as lined with a wrapping I of insulating material such as sheet mica, forming a socket for insertion of the insulated ignition cable 8, and the socket thus formed corresponds to the socket formedby the mica-lined upper Orange, N. 1., assignor to ration, East Orange, N. J., Jersey 1938, Serial No. 183,521

portion of the corresponding barrel in Patent No. 1,950,408 granted to Lawrence A. Hyland on March 13, 1934. As shown the portion of the cable which extends within the socket formed by the lining i is surrounded by a spacer sleeve 9 of suitable insulating material such as Bakelite or its equivalent, and the said sleeve 9 extends be= yond the outer end of the barrel 5 for a purpose presently to appear. Connection of the conductors within the cable 8 to the central electrode of the plug may be brought about by any conven tional means, as by anchoring said conductors to a metal base underlying the lower end of the spacer 9 and making electrical contact with the central electrode of the plug either directly or by intermediate conductors such as the coil spring indicated at l2.

The metal thimble or elbow by which the metal covering of the major portion of the cable is electrically and mechanically connected with the shielding of the plug, and corresponding to the metal thimble or elbow 31 of the Nowosielski Patent No. 2,079,561, is indicated at I 4 and is shown provided with a flanged ring l5 at its base, corresponding to the flanged ring 38 of the said Nowosielski patent, the said ring being secured by the overlying upper portion ii of the coupling nut I l corresponding in some respects to the coupling nut 52 of' the said Nowoslelski patent; but instead of threading the said coupling nut directly to the threaded upper portion l8 of the barrel 5 (and corresponding to the threaded upper portion of the barrel l0 in the Nowosielski patent) my invention includes the concept of interposing between said threaded parts I! and I8, a combination of elements which renders it unnecessary to proceed with a screwing or unscrewing operation'on every occasion when temporary disconnection of'the cable, as for inspection purposes, is desired. As shown in Fig. 1 this combination of elements includes a coil compression spring 2! having abutment at its upper end against a retaining plate 22 fitting under the shoulder portion 23 of the nut l1, and having abutment at its lower end against a second plate 24 whose tapered central bore 26 cooperates with the correspondingly tapered fingers 21 formed in any suitable manner as by slotting (as shown at 28 in Fig. 3) the tapered skirt of the externally threaded sleeve or coupling screw 29 to which the above described coupling nut I I is threaded, as a preliminary step in the complete process of securing the cable. As shown in Fig. 1 the screw 29 has one portion of smaller bore and another portion of slightly larger bore, forming a shoulder 33 against which the upper end of the spacer 9 abuts when the parts are *in proper relationship, as shown in Fig. l.

The coupling combination of the present invention.iurther includes a third major element '35 which, to distinguish it from the upper coupling nut l1, maybe termed the lower coupling nut, it being internally threaded at its lower end asindicated at 36 for engagement with the threaded portion ill of the barrel 5. The upper portion of thislower coupling element 35 is tapered to a degree corresponding to the taper of the elements 24 and .2-1 and is adaptable to be received within said elements 21 in such a manner that the central neck portion 33 will cooperate with the inwardly protruding tips 33 of the fingers 2I to provide a quickly releasable mechanical connection between the upper and lower portions of the coupling assembly, and hence a ready means of withdrawing the cable 3 as for inspection of its lower end or of the inner parts of the plug.

It will be noted that while this connection between the parts 33 and 35 is of a readily detachable nature, such detachment can be effected only by exerting an upwardly directed pressure upon the plate 24 for the purpose of releasing the wedging grip which normally prevails between the parts 24 and 21 as shown in Fig. 1, such upward pressure being necessary to overcome the normal tendency of the compression spring 2| which exerts-the wedging pressure in the opposite direction. Fig. 2 illustrates the releasing operation as brought about by upward pressure to raise the plate 24 sumciently to permit release of the tips 39 of the fingers 21 from the neck portion 33 in which they are normally held. When thus released the upper assembly including the cable 3 may be withdrawn, it being noted that this action can take place without disturbing the threaded relationship existing between the parts l1 and 29 and likewise without disturbing the threaded relationship existing between the parts "I and '35. In other words the screwing and unscrewing operation which is necessary in the prior art as exemplifled in the parts 52 and ll! of the above identifled Nowosielski patent, is made unnecessarybythe combination of elements of the present invention, while at the same time there is provided 2. normally prevailing wedging grip between the elements 21 and 35 which positively insures against any unintended separation of the partsthe pressure exerted by the compression spring 2| being more than suflicient to prevent any such unintended sefiration Qt said, parts, since the direction of such pressure exertion'is such as to tend at all times to increase the wedging action.

What is claimed is:

1. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, and a third coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held thereby, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel.

2. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising,

in combination with a tubular metal extension, an

externally tapered coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered couthereby, said third coupling element being secured i to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, and means constantly pressing upon said second-named coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable.

3. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a third coupling element interposed between said flrst two coupling elements and yieldably held thereby, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, means constantly pressing upon said second-named coupling 'ele-,- ment to wedginglylock said extension in a posi-. tion preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable, said last named means including a coiled spring surrounding said coupling elements, and means associated with said tubular extension to form an abutment for the end or said springopposite that which bears against said second-named coupling element.

4. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, and a longitudinally slotted, resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held thereby, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel.

5. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered coupling element secured to the upper .'end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a longitudinally slotted, resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held .thereby, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, and means constantly pressing upon said second-namer coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal oi the cable.

'6. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally oi the barrel, 9. longitudinallyslotted,

resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held thereby, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable venting accidental withdrawal of the cable, said last named means including a coiled spring surrounding said coupling elements, and means integral with said tubular extension to form an abutment for the end of said spring opposite that which bears against said second-named coupling element.

7. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, and a third coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said first=named coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel. 1

8. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a third coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portionof said first-named coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, and means constantly pressing upon said secondnamed coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable.

9. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a third coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said first-named coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, means constantly pressing upon said secondnamed coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in. a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable, said last named means including a coiled spring surrounding said coupling elements, and means associated with said tubular extension to form an abutment for the end of said spring opposite that which bears against said second-named coupling element.

10. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in comblnation with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, 9.

longitudinally slotted, resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said first-named coupling element, said third coupling element belog secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel.

11. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a longitudinally slotted, resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said firstnamed coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, and means constantly pressing upon said second named coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable.

12. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, an externally tapered peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, an internally tapered coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a longitudinally slotted, resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said first-named coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, means constantly pressing upon said second-named coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable, said last named means including a coiled spring surrounding said coupling elements, and means associated with said tubular extension to form an abutment for the end of said spring opposite that which bears against said secondnamed coupling element.

13. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, a coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, a second coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a third coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held thereby,

said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, and means constantly pressing upon said second-named coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable.

lit

14. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, a coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, a second coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a third coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held thereby, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark. plug barrel, means constantly pressing upon said second-named coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable, said last named means including a coiled spring surrounding said coupling elements, and means associated with said tubular extension to form an abutment for the end of said spring opposite that which bears against said second-named coupling element.

'15. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, a peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, a second coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a third coupling element inter.- posed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said first-named coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, and means constantly pressing upon said second-named coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable.

l6. Acap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, a peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, a second coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a third coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said first-named coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith against said second-named coupling element,

17. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, a peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, a second coupling element movable longitudinally of the barrel, a longitudinally slotted, resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said first-named coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, and means constantly pressing upon said second named coupling element to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable.

18. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive an ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with a tubular metal extension, a peripherally grooved coupling element secured to the upper end of the barrel, 2. second coupling element movable longitudinally of they barrel, a longitudinally slotted, resilient coupling element interposed between said first two coupling elements and yieldably held in engagement with the peripherally grooved portion of said firstnamed coupling element, said third coupling element being secured to said tubular extension, and movable therewith to insert or withdraw the cable from the spark plug barrel, means constantly .pressing upon said second-named coupling ele-- ment to wedgingly lock said extension in a position preventing accidental withdrawal of the cable, said last named means including a coiled spring surrounding said coupling elements, and means associated with said tubular extension to form an abutment for the end of said spring opposite that which bears against said secondnamed coupling element.

19. A cap for spark plugs having a barrel adapted to receive a shielded ignition cable, said cap comprising, in combination with the cable shield, a coupling element engageable with the barrel, and having a depression in its outer surface, means engageable with said depression to releasably hold the cable shield in predetermined relationship to said barrel, means for preventing movement of said holding means by any pull exerted longitudinally of the cable, said preventing means comprising a wedging member which, in operative position, exerts pressure upon said holding means in a direction radially of said coupling element and thereby opposes release of the holding means from said depression, and resilient means for holding said wedging member in operative position. Y

RALPH M. HEINTZ. 

